Children with Thrush

1. Introduction: What is thrush in children and why should we care?

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth. Candida normally exists in small amounts in the mouth without causing harm, but when there is an imbalance, the fungus can overgrow and cause uncomfortable symptoms.

A brief definition of tongue fungus

Oral thrush is a yeast (Candida) infection of the lining of the mouth that causes white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and other parts of the mouth.

Frequency of disease and level of danger

Thrush is common in children, especially in infants and young children whose immune systems are not yet fully developed. Although usually not dangerous, thrush can cause discomfort and affect a child's ability to eat and breastfeed. If left untreated, thrush can spread to other parts of the body.

2. Causes of tongue thrush in children

There are many causes of thrush in children:

Weak immune system

The immune systems of infants and young children are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to Candida infections.

Use of antibiotics

Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in the body, creating conditions for Candida to overgrow.

Maternal infection

Babies can get Candida from their mothers during birth if they have a vaginal yeast infection.

Poor hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can create a favorable environment for Candida to grow.

Other risk factors

Use of corticosteroids
Have chronic diseases (diabetes, HIV)
Malnutrition

3. Symptoms of tongue thrush in children

Early recognition of symptoms of tongue fungus helps in timely and effective treatment.

Typical signs on the tongue and mouth

White or creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.
These patches may be slightly raised and can be painful to scrape off.
The child's mouth may be red and sore.

Distinguishing between tongue fungus and thrush

Thrush is a milky white patch of milk residue that forms on a baby's tongue after feeding. Thrush is easily removed by rubbing with a soft gauze pad and is painless. On the other hand, fungal patches are more difficult to remove and can be painful to scrape off.

Other accompanying symptoms

Baby is fussy and irritable
Stop breastfeeding, poor appetite
Difficulty swallowing
Cracked corner of mouth

4. How to diagnose thrush in children

Clinical examination

Doctors can usually diagnose thrush by performing a physical exam and looking at symptoms in your child's mouth.

Testing (if necessary)

In some cases, your doctor may take a sample from your child's mouth to test for Candida.

5. Treatment of thrush in children

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the Candida fungus and relieve your child's uncomfortable symptoms.

Commonly used antifungal drugs

Nystatin: A liquid antifungal medication that is applied directly to the fungal patches in a child's mouth.
Miconazole: Oral gel, for use in children 4 months of age and older only.

How to use medicine properly

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and duration of use.
Apply the medicine evenly on the fungal patches in the child's mouth after eating or breastfeeding.
Do not give your child anything to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after applying the medication.

Home treatment support measures

Oral hygiene: Use a soft gauze soaked in saline to gently wipe the baby's mouth after each feeding or meal.
Diet: Feed your child soft, easy-to-swallow foods. Avoid sweet, sugary foods.
Use natural remedies (if approved by your doctor): Some natural remedies such as honey (only for children over 1 year old) or yogurt can help inhibit the growth of Candida. However, you should consult your doctor before using them.

6. Measures to prevent thrush in children

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some measures to help prevent thrush in children:

Oral hygiene for infants and young children

Use a soft gauze soaked in saline to gently wipe the baby's mouth after each feeding or meal.
As your child gets older, teach him or her how to brush properly.

Cleaning nipples and bottles

Wash nipples and bottles after each use.
Sterilize nipples and bottles regularly.

Treat vaginal yeast infection in mother (if any)

If the mother has vaginal yeast infection, it needs to be treated completely before giving birth to avoid infecting the baby.

Strengthening children's immune system

Breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first 6 months of life.
Feed your baby properly and with adequate nutrition.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep and regular exercise.
Fully vaccinate children according to schedule.

7. When should I take my child to see a doctor?

Thrush is usually not serious, but you should take your child to see a doctor if:

Warning signs to watch out for

Children stop breastfeeding and eat poorly for a long time.
Children with high fever
Children showing signs of difficulty breathing
Widespread fungal patches
Children with underlying medical conditions (diabetes, HIV)

8. Complications that can occur if tongue thrush is not treated promptly

If not treated promptly, tongue fungus can cause complications:

Effects on eating

Thrush can cause pain, making children uncomfortable and refusing to breastfeed, eating poorly, leading to slow growth and malnutrition.

Spread to other parts

The fungus can spread to the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing and chest pain.

Sepsis (in severe cases)

In rare cases, the fungus can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening sepsis.

9. Nutritional regimen for children with thrush

Foods to eat

Soft, easy-to-swallow foods (porridge, soup, yogurt)
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals (green vegetables, fruits)

Foods to avoid

Sweet, sugary foods (candy, soft drinks)
Spicy, spicy food

10. Folk remedies to support the treatment of tongue fungus (need to consult a doctor)

Some folk remedies can help treat thrush, but you should consult your doctor before using them:

Honey: Has antibacterial and antifungal properties (only for children over 1 year old).
Please note! Honey has antibacterial properties but is not recommended for children under 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019).

Physiological saline: Helps clean the mouth and reduce inflammation.

11. Tongue fungus and frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is tongue fungus contagious?

Yes, thrush can be spread through direct contact (e.g., breastfeeding, sharing personal items).

Can tongue fungus go away on its own?

In some mild cases, tongue thrush can go away on its own. However, to ensure safety and prevent complications, treatment should follow the doctor's instructions.

Should antibiotics be used for children with thrush?

No. Antibiotics do not work against fungus and can make thrush worse.

12. Conclusion: Oral thrush in children - Early detection and proper treatment to protect your baby's health

Oral thrush is a common condition that can be uncomfortable for children. Early recognition of symptoms, proper treatment, and preventive measures will help protect your child's oral and overall health. Always consult your doctor for the most appropriate and effective treatment regimen.